New Zealand Cricket Announces Exciting 2026 Schedule
New Zealand Cricket has unveiled an exciting and packed schedule for the upcoming home season in 2026, with India’s major tour being one of the key highlights. The Indian cricket team will be in New Zealand for nearly two months, during which they will play a total of 12 matches across different formats. This includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and a two-match Test series against the hosts.
The tour is expected to be a significant event for both teams, especially after the recent disappointment of a whitewash by New Zealand at home in 2024. Shubman Gill and the Indian squad will be looking to make amends in the red-ball format, which could prove to be a crucial part of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Key Matches and Schedule Details
The New Zealand home summer is set to begin with a five-match T20I series against India in October 2026. This will be followed by a five-match ODI series in November. The last time these two teams met was in the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India secured a commanding victory to claim their second trophy.
The T20I games will be followed by a five-match ODI sequence, which could have significant implications for both teams as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tour will conclude with a two-match Test series, marking the end of a 12-game schedule that spans across five major venues.
This is the largest number of internationals ever arranged for a touring team in New Zealand Cricket’s history, showcasing the importance of this series.
Other Tours and Women’s Matches
After hosting India, New Zealand will welcome Sri Lanka for a series that includes three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests in January and February 2027. This will provide further opportunities for the Kiwi team to test their skills against strong opposition.
On the women’s side, New Zealand will host Bangladesh in December 2026 for three ODIs and three T20Is as part of their home season. This will add another layer of excitement to the upcoming cricket calendar.
Comments from New Zealand Cricket
NZC’s Glenn Critchley expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming tour, stating, “When it comes to cricket – it simply doesn’t get bigger than India, and we’re determined to deliver New Zealanders a tour like no other. The passion and the following this team has is staggering – not to mention some of the players expected to tour such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah – so we’re bracing for the intensity and fandom that will accompany the tour.”
Tour Calendar Overview
Here is a detailed breakdown of the tour calendar:
- October 2026
- Team/Opposition: India Men
Matches: 4 T20Is
November 2026
- Team/Opposition: India Men
Matches: 1 T20I, 5 ODIs, 2 Tests
January 2027
- Team/Opposition: Sri Lanka Men
Matches: 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is
February 2027
- Team/Opposition: Sri Lanka Men
Matches: 2 Tests
December 2026 (White Ferns)
- Team/Opposition: Bangladesh Women
- Matches: 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs
This comprehensive schedule promises to deliver thrilling cricket action for fans in New Zealand and around the world. With high-profile matches and strong competition, the 2026 season is set to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
